Algeria's hard-fought win over the Democratic Republic of Congo came at a cost, with Arsenal youth product Ismael Bennacer battling to be fit for the quarterfinal showdown against Nigeria in Marrakesh on Saturday evening. 

The Greens have never lost a match against the Super Eagles in which Bennacer featured, winning three in total.

This includes a 2018 World Cup qualifier that initially ended 1-1 but was later awarded to Algeria, with three points and three goals, after Nigeria fielded an ineligible player, Abdullahi Shehu.

Bennacer was officially recognized as the standout player of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, with the AC Milan loanee winning the Player of the Tournament and was also voted the Best Young Player.

The central midfielder could not complete yesterday's win over the Leopards, leaving the pitch in the 49th minute due to discomfort and will undergo tests to determine his availability for the quarterfinal meeting with Nigeria. 

Providing a squad update after the victory against the Democratic Republic of Congo, Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic said at the post-match press conference: "The match was difficult and physically demanding, and we will wait until tomorrow to find out the health and medical status of Ismail Bennacer and the rest of the injured players."

Interestingly, Bennacer made his Arsenal debut on the same day as Super Eagles playmaker Alex Iwobi, with both midfielders donning the club’s colours for the first time in an official match during a Carabao Cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday on October 27, 2015.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: faf.dz